Properties: Prepd by the nitration of guanidine sulfate with fuming HNO3. Is converted into the a-form by dissolving in concd H2SO4 and pouring into ice water: Davis et al.,J. Am. Chem. Soc.47, 1065 (1925).

Use: Explosive of moderate power. Can be exploded only with a detonator. Intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.